Pages

Friday, August 30, 2013

Author Becomes Fan of Mike Wells' Work

Title: Passion, Power & Sin: Book 1
Author: Mike Wells
Author Twitter: @MikeWellsAuthor
Author Website: MikeWellsBooks.com
Available on Amazon


Original Reviewed by Zach Tyo for his Indie Book Reviewer


           For my second review I responded to author Mike Wells’ post from twitter with a free download of book 1 in his three part series Passion, Power & Sin. Since I’d never heard of Wells’ work before I assumed he was a fellow Indie author, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. While Wells may have published this book on Smashwords like many unpublished authors, his work speaks against any semblance of an amateur that comes sometimes with self-published authors. Instead you get well-polished, seasoned writing that speaks of someone with the skill and eye that is needed to excel in the industry.

           Now I’m sure by now you can pretty much guess that I’m a fan of Wells' work, though this first book in the Passion, Power & Sin series is my first experience with him. I had considered putting this on hold until I read the whole series and reviewing it all at once, but with Wells being much more seasoned I’m sure that anybody who takes my advice and picks up the first part will go right for the whole series.

           The story begins on a super yacht in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea with Ricardo Maya. A playboy of sorts that has made millions by just allowing people to break the law, his introduction seems short and you’re left wondering just who this man is, but it becomes apparent early on that this reclusive man that sits on top of the world will play a big role in later parts of the series.

           After the prologue we’re dipped straight into the main story, and we meet the main character of this story, Heather Bancroft. Wells does well painting a picture of her personality from the get-go and you see her as any one of the droves of people who go to New York to try and make it big in business, particularly the PR game, and end up biting off more than they can chew financially. You can really feel her struggle, and her bitterness from being thrown under two ‘yes men’ as bosses and having all her work go unnoticed by those who matter in the business.

           Things get worse for Heather when troubles from her home find her, and she becomes entangled in doing anything to save her mother from the coming storm that is about to descend onto her childhood home.

           As things get worse for Heather, Wells again succeeds in making you truly feel the desperation and hopelessness the character experiences and you can’t help keep turning the page hoping the solution will be found on the next turn.

           As things seem to grow continually darker two different things begin to happen for Heather. On one hand she gets an email from a‘friend in need’ which gives her an opportunity to end her struggling financial woes, as long as she’s willing to trust; on the other hand she is courted by a handsome young playboy who just so happens to be heir to one of the largest real estate firms in New York.

           The stage slowly becomes set and Wells builds the tension, and the secrets, keeping you wondering just what/who you would trust in if you thought you could save someone you loved.

Finding a pro/con for this story was rough, and I mean that. Many new authors make mistakes with clichés, or they have trouble setting the stage in the readers mind. In this case I had to pick out my favorite pros to list:
  • The characters Wells creates are simply wonderful. From entry level, stress filled environment of a busy office at the lowest level, to the elite of the elite you can feel the differences in the class by the way they talk and react in situations. You feel like you know each character, and that relationship only builds.

  • This sort of goes right along with my first pro but the settings you’re taken to are so vivid, but yet explained so simply that your mind has no trouble picturing both the beauty of a New York skyline, to a seedy Yakuza casino.

  • The last ‘pro’ I’m going to list is the way that Wells keeps you reading on. Though the ‘action’ is relatively low, you can’t help but turn the page. I’m typically a person who sticks to reading action packed thrillers that involve shooting, punching and sometimes aliens but Wells proved to me that those things aren’t always needed for a great story (I have to say I read this in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down).

Finding a true con in this story is sort of like, and yes I’m going with a huge cliché, finding a needle in a haystack…and then finding out there was no needle at all. Obviously somebody else may be able to but I am at a true loss.

           In the end Wells’ Passion, Power & Sin Book 1 was more than a pleasant read for me and it deserves the awards it has received, and is still likely to receive. Everything about the story from the characters to the overall story is written as I mentioned earlier, just like a seasoned author. The length is a little short, but that’s more of a complaint on my part since I want to read more.

Overall I’m going to give Passion, Power & Sin Book 1 a 9/10 based on:

  • 10/10 for readability- the story starts off on a pace that draws you in, and doesn’t let you go. Each chapter smoothly transitions from one to the other.

  • 9/10 for story- Wells delivers a strong, original story that I can’t find any similarities between. Each idea seems new and original; even the ‘down on her luck girl meeting a millionaire’ that seemed like for a second to be just like a feel good story has been changed in a wonderful way.

  • 9/10 for characters- I stated this earlier but each character has such a strong individual personality, well besides the drones that are Heather’s direct reports but they’re so wonderfully reminiscent of Tweedledum and Tweedledee that it made me smile. (I don’t mean that they act the same, when you read it you’ll see what I mean). Each character is relatable and you will find at least one person you know that will remind you of one of these characters.

  • 9/10 for buildup- The buildup is what seems to be this stories X-factor. While there are no shootings, car chases, or fight scenes that many associate with ‘thrillers’, Wells does a marvelous job of building you up throughout and I found myself entangled the whole time.

           I have to thank Mike Wells for allowing me the honor of reviewing Passion, Power & Sinand I look forward to filling my shelves, or ereader as it may be, with the whole series. I definitely suggest picking up this story, especially if you’re not familiar with his other work and you’re looking for a new author.

If you would like to check out this story, Wells is offering if for free here.
 
-----
The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Norman Rockwell's America Gets New Life in New Nonfiction

Title:  Hidden in Plain Sight: The Other People in Norman Rockwell’s America
Author: Jane Allen Petrick
Author’s Website:  www.janeallenpetrick.com
Genre: Narrative Nonfiction
ISBN: 9780989260114
Available from: Ingram, Barnes & Noble, iBookstore, Sony, Kobo, Amazon  
Name of Reviewer:        
Publisher:                          Readers’ Favorite
Reviewer’s Rating:           Five Stars
 
 
Reviewed by Jack Magnus originally for Readers Favorite 
 
 
In Hidden in Plain Sight: The Other People in Norman Rockwell's America, author Jane Allen Petrick tells the story of the Rockwell models who were people of color. She also brings to life a Norman Rockwell that the vast majority of people never knew -- a man who saw the world as multi-cultural and was thwarted in every instance of his attempts to portray that world in his art. Petrick interviewed child models, now middle-aged, to get a first-hand account of what it was like to be a Rockwell model and how he affected their lives. This book is, in many respects, an artistic biography of Rockwell, and it chronicles his struggles with and despair at the magazine The Saturday Evening Post, whose conservative editor only allowed blacks in the publication if they were in subservient positions. Rockwell's own ideology was quite progressive, and he came to hate the magazine that created a Rockwell persona so far from the reality of who he was. Petrick concludes her work by citing African-American artists who were greatly influenced by Rockwell's work, who saw those hidden in plain sight.
 
Jane Allen Petrick's book should be required reading in art history classes. It's that good. It should also be required reading for anyone interested in United States history and the fight for civil rights and progress in our nation. I had no idea who Rockwell was before I read this book and harbored a vague contempt for the man whenever he was mentioned as an American artist. The great cover-up and whitewash Petrick exposes is much too effective. What an inspiring man Rockwell was, and how much I would have liked to have known him. Petrick's work shows him finally in a light Rockwell would have felt at ease with and even delighted in. Hidden in Plain Sight: The Other People in Norman Rockwell's America is an amazing piece of scholarship and very highly recommended.
-----
The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Restitution a Must Read

 

Title:  Restitution
Author:  Tess C. Frey
Catagory:  Memoir/Creative Non-Fiction
Authors Website:  www.itsneverinvain.com ISBN-10: 1492118990
ISBN-13:
978-1492118992
Available on Amazon

Reviewer Rating:  5 Stars



Review By Christine Favarra, Author of Forever Different

Sometimes we grow in silent places that do not burst through to daylight and voice for years. Restitution is the Light and the Voice for all of the Tess' and Rebecca's in the world. Bravo and all hail, Tess C. Frey, our Heroin for shining that everlasting Light on the pain and the shame.

This book is a journey, one that explores how the scars that we bear in life develop the content of our character. Tess' emotionally charged description of her abuse and suffering leaves the reader asking by Chapter 5, how has she lived to write this book? I'll tell you, as the pages are full of determination and faith.

Joel Osteen said "out of your greatest rejection comes your greatest direction". A charitable person would ask, what I can do to make life less difficult for those who come after me, and Tess takes that direction and rises to the occasion and answers that question with this wonderful testament to survival.
"Be Still and Know that I am God "Psalms 46:10 Tess has been silent and still long enough, it's time to let that beautiful Voice be heard!


-----
The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Laugh-Out-Loud Historical Fiction

 
The Doctor's Daughter
by Belle Blackburn
Historical fiction (romance & mystery too)
ISBN 978-0615690957
Available on Amazon
Publisher: Createspace
 
 
Reviewed by Don Creekmore originally for Amazon
 
 
I have to admit that I normally am not a reader of fiction. However, on the suggestion of a friend I found myself immediately engrossed in the story of Kate, a young woman coming of age in the early days of Civil War Nashville. Belle Blackburn has succeeded in weaving the little known details of that time into a story that includes love, revenge, compassion, and humor. She provides insight into how the upheaval of the Civil War affected individuals and families on both sides of the social "tracks". The story has more twists, turns, and surprises than the road from Nashville to Peony. When you think you have "figured it out" you quickly find out you don't. Blackburn's humor sneaks up on you in the oddest places. I actually laughed out loud - not something that I do very often when reading a book. If you like a story that tugs at your heart, raises your spirit, surprises you continuously, and educates, I highly recommend the "Doctor's Daughter." I look forward to the sequels.
 
-----
The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Monday, August 26, 2013

Children's Author Calls Fellow Author's Book Wonderful Read

Cassie & Chloe's Captivating Crystal Crawlspace Chronicles

By Trinisse ChanelISBN: 978-1460994030Paperback: 194 pages
Purchase this title in paperback 
Purchase this title as an e-book


Reviewed by  Sarah Renee originally for Amazon


The first in a series, Cassie and Chloe's Captivating Crystal Crawlspace Chronicles introduces readers to two brave, adventurous girls named Cassie and Chloe. As the story unfolds, the two curious girls find themselves stumbling into an exciting new world filled with incredible new sights. Along with their adorable Pomeranian Moondoggie and their sweet cat Pierre, the sisters explore the new world of Serendipity Springs and meet a lot of curious but delightful people and find a lot of amazing adventures.

The siblings Vicky and Nicky, who live in Serendipity Springs, become Cassie and Chloe's guides to show them this new world--and along the way, form a deep friendship. The group of six: Cassie, Chloe, Vicky, Nicky, Moondoggie, and Pierre -take part in a lot of exciting different activities. Among many other spectacular adventures, the six friends play exciting games in a place called the House of Fun, have exciting adventures in many different places from New York to Japan at a place called the Dress-Up Pavilion, enter into the worlds of different books in the Magical Mystical Library, and see dozens of other incredible places in Serendipity Springs.

However, the group is also troubled by the appearance of two evil twins. The brave girls, along with their pets and their new friends, try to help the people of Serendipity Springs stop the twins evil plan and must use logic and courage to outwit the evil pair.

Cassie and Chloe meet many friendly people in Serendipity Springs and form plenty of wonderful friendships. The adventures they go on in this new world are exciting and very imaginative. The girls and their friends are great role models to exemplify friendship, creativity, and bravery in the face of danger. The different adventures Cassie and Chloe find in Serendipity Springs will captivate and delight the imaginations of children. I recommend this book for children around ages 7-11 who enjoy a good book filled with wonderful characters and exciting adventures.
ABOUT THE REVIEWER

The reviewer is an author of children's books in her own right.

-----

The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Sunday, August 25, 2013

Children's Book Asks Questions Kids--and Owls--Ask

Title of Book: The Owl Who Couldn’t WHOO
Author: LeeAnna Kail
World of Ink Author/Book Tour at http://tinyurl.com/n5bul86
Twitter: @LA_Kail
Publisher: Halo Publishing, Int.
ISBN Number(s): 978-1-61244-129-0
Genre of Book: Children’s picture book
Publication Date: Feb. 2013
 
Synopsis provided by World of Ink Network

“Join Ollie on his adventure in searching for his sister and learning the significance of being different.”

About the Book:
Ollie is known for one thing in his village: he is the only owl who cannot “WHOO.” The other owls tease him for saying “WHEERE!” or “WHEEN!” or “WHYY!” and sometimes “WHAAT!” All Ollie wants is to fit in, but when his little sister gets lost in the woods, Ollie discovers he can help.
While providing insightful perspectives on diversity, The OWL Who Couldn’t WHOO offers educators, libraries, parents and young readers a fresh new look on anti-bullying and self-confidence.
 
Overall Thoughts:
This cute picture book will help children struggling with speech and self-esteem. There is also the underlying theme about not being a bullying and getting along with those different from you.
 
EXCERPT:
Ollie lived in a parliament of Spotted Owls deep in the forest. He was the only owl that did not, “WHOO!” Instead, Ollie said, “WHEERE!” or “WHEEN!” or “WHYY!” and sometimes “WHAAT!” The other owls teased him.
“WHOO is the only owl in the village that cannot WHOO! Ollie, Ollie, Ollie that is WHOO!” they chanted together.
“You say funny words,” Hooty shouted. “You sound silly!” Spotty made fun of Ollie. “Are you even a real owl?” Percy teased.
Poor Ollie felt sad. He couldn’t help screeching, “WHEERE!” or “WHEEN!” or “WHYY!” and sometimes “WHAAT!”
 
About the Author: 
Ever since LeeAnna Kail was little, she had an interest in writing. In fact, when she was in the fourth grade, she completed a career project and dressed as an author with dreams of writing her own book one day.
LeeAnna attended Duquesne University with a double major in political science and English with intentions of attending law school after graduation. While studying abroad in Rome, Italy, LeeAnna had a change of heart and decided to continue her education at Duquesne studying elementary education instead. She knew she found her niche the first day of class. Inspired by an assignment from a children’s literature course, LeeAnna's dream of writing a book has come true.

LeeAnna currently teaches in Pittsburgh and hopes to be an inspiration to her students to follow their dreams.
 
To learn more about the World of Ink Tours visit http://worldofinknetwork.com

SUBMITTED BY 
Virginia S Grenier 
Founder & Partner, World of Ink Network
Bringing Authors and Readers Together
Office: 435-625-1743
Follow us on Twitter
 
Like us on Facebook

Award-winning Author & Editor
 
Member of League of Utah Writers/HWG chapter president

-----
The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Saturday, August 24, 2013

J.Q. Pens Mystery with Sweet Romance and Humor

Title: Coda to Murder
Author: J.Q. Rose
Author's Web site: http://www.jqrose.com
Genre: Mystery, sweet romance
ISBN 978-1-77127-274-2
Published by amazon
Reviewer's Rating 5 Stars

 
Reviewed by Sue Pernz originally for Amazon.com  
Inspirational with murder and humour

At first this seems like an ordinary murder with romance, but J.Q. Rose has brought in her usual (or should I say unusual) sense of humor. A cat, pig and kangaroo also take major parts in the story. Christine gets into all sorts of situations, both dangerous and funny, when she tries to solve the murder mystery.

I have read J.Q. Rose's books before and this is another good one. The author has that uncanny knack of putting together a serious situation with a touch of humor. Not too much, just enough to lighten the thread, without being insulting to the deceased. J.Q. Rose managed to make romance and murder a believable possibility and for this I commend her.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, which says a lot as I don't usually read inspirational books, but this is a definite "can't put it down" book. Well done Ms. Rose, can't wait for the next book from your writing desk.
-----
The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Friday, August 23, 2013

Midwest Review Gives Children's Book a Heads Up

Title: A Different Little Doggy
Category:                  Children / Picture Book                                                        
Author:                      Heather Whittaker              
Publisher:                 Pen – Tech Professional LLC
Price:                         $9.99 (retail)
Page Count:             28
ISBN #:                      978-0-9820962-2-2
Audience:               
Children ages 4 – 7
Website:                  www.adifferentlittledoggy.com

Originally Reviewed for Midwest Book Review 
    

Being different in any area often times can rattle our world, whether it is with ourselves or others. However, if we realize that being different is not bad, merely a situation that simply needs understanding and tolerance. In this well written work by author, Heather Whittaker, we meet, Taz, a wonderful little dog. Taz shares her life with the reader from being small, to having pins put in to fix her knees, and even to going blind. Taz is not one to complain, feel sorry for herself, or blame others. No, she works to overcome and live her life to the fullest. What a gal and role modal she is.

This is a wonderful book with top of the notch, colorful, and real to life illustrations that draw you right into the storyline. Using a love-able dog, our author shows how we should accept ourselves, and others for what and who we are. The story shows that just because someone may not be able to do all others can, does not make them less of a person (or doggy), nor would it make them less of a friend. It teaches acceptance and love in a warm and wonderful way. I enjoyed this read and feel it has a very important lesson for young and old, told in an upbeat and joyous manner, that will leave you feeling good inside. Well done! Recommended.

 
-----
The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Thursday, August 22, 2013

New Reviewer Details Ainsworth's Emerald


Title: Emerald
Author: John Ainsworth
Genre: Fiction: Thriller
Available on Amazon

Reviewed by Zach Tyo originally for IndieBookReview.Blogspot.com
 


 
               For my first review I’ve chosen a story from Indie Author John Ainsworth, in particular his book Emerald.
                The story follows childhood friends Danny, Patrick and Sarah in their journey through life. From growing up in the slums of Liverpool, England during the 70’s, to war-torn North Ireland and run ins with the violent IRA. As their lives and friendships become ripped apart amid tragedy; the only thing holding them together is a childhood promise, which even they may not be able to keep.


                Ainsworth tells his story well and in a way that makes you ask question after question, but with very well thought out flashbacks he manages to tell two stories in one. On one side you have events taking place in Liverpool that builds you up.  Each chapter questions get answered and the way the story moves between the world of the children in Liverpool to adults in England and Ireland is wonderful and it flows very well.


                A big plus for me, and this may not be important for some people, is that the more followed of the three characters is a member of the British army, of which Ainsworth has served in himself. This character is the most relatable of the three, and you can see that the writer’s personality comes through in him.


                The story is more than a tale of vengeance. It truly makes you dive deep into your own personal psyche and wonder how far you would go if you were in Patrick’s shoes. Would you scour the earth and kill the one that took your love away, or would you forgive and try to forget Could you move on if you were the one reason your sister was dead? Or would it move you to kill?


                There are several pros in this story, a fact that I am genuinely happy about since this is my first review and I get to kick it off with a bang:
  •         Each chapter that begins with a flashback you find yourself wondering how it will tie in with the events of the characters’ adult lives.


  •  Each fight scene, and there are several, keeps you turning the page for the next blow as you wonder who will come out on top.


  •  The story is one of those that I couldn’t put down, and it kept me interested throughout.


  In addition to the positives there are, as always, some negatives that come with it. I do caution that the positives far outweigh the negatives:
  • While the story’s pace throughout is good, the first two chapters began a little slow and the flashbacks started off a bit confusing.


  • The three childhood friends/main characters were very relatable and I found myself vested in them, unfortunately a few of the ancillary characters had personalities that you knew were big but yet they didn’t quite come off that way.      


In the end Ainsworth’s Emerald is more than worth the read, as long as you like a fast paced story that moves far but remains smooth in its transitions. The story is compelling, the characters likable, and the journey is great for a weekend read (or if it catches you the way it did me a day’s read).  


Overall Emerald by John Ainsworth scores a solid 7/10 for me based on:


7/10 for readability- though the story starts out a little slow, it quickly picks up and redeems itself in a wonderful way.


9/10 for story- throughout the story I tried to find something I could compare it to, or something it shared similarities to. Some people may say it just seems like a tail of vengeance cut and dry, but the way Ainsworth spins it that’s far from the mark on this one.


6/10 for characters- as I stated earlier the main characters are wonderful, but there are quite a few ‘extras’ that didn’t hit the mark. All characters involved contributed to the story in some way, but I found myself asking who and what when they came in with strong dialogue and were gone the next paragraph.


7/10 for thrills/action- this last category is the ‘wild’ card of the bunch. Each story has its own selling point, and for me in this story it’s the action sequences and the overall ‘thriller’ component. The action sequences were great, and fight scenes well-choreographed. Unfortunately a few of them were over so quick it didn’t feel like they were done justice, but these were the minority. As for the overall ‘thriller’ component I found myself thoroughly interested and on the edge of my seat as the ending built up, and prepared to be surprised because you will be fooled into thinking you know what’s coming, but you don’t.


I’m very happy, and thankful, John Ainsworth allowed me to do a review of Emerald. I really enjoyed the story and I suggest picking it up for your next ‘guilty pleasure’ session. The 3.99 price tag on Amazon’s Kindle store is more than worth it.

If you'd like to check out Emerald for yourself click here.

Thank you for taking the time out of your day to read my review, as I said in the first post please feel free to comment on anything. I'm still trying to figure out my 'niche' as a reviewer so any comments on the overall format would be more than appreciated.
-----
Reach the reviewer at his blog or on Twitter at http://twitter.com/ZachTyo

-----
The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Use TV and Radio to Maximize Your visibility

How to Share Your Message, Your Products and Your Business with the World! By Kristen White
Order and get bonus gifts at: http://bit.ly/14RMPEe

Many New Book Review readers have a powerful message you'd like to share with the world and you’d love to be an expert on TV and Radio shows. Now,
you can put a voice to your passion with
 Voice: How to Share your Message, Your Business and Your Product with the World. It was created to help you find your authentic voice and to use your message to transform the lives of others.

You may have amazing solutions to end the suffering on the planet, however,
these strategies remain widely unknown because you do not know 
how to become a recognized expert using marketing and media appearances.
As a media coach, who is currently active in the media as a broadcaster, 
Kristen White teaches you:


  • How to be effective on camera and
    what to wear to
    create a polished image  
  • Steps to create a media soundbite to use effectively during an interview 
  • Key strategies to develop a media strategy that attracts the attention of the public and the Media.  
  • Insider secrets about what really happens inside the newsroom and how to leverage your expertise with the right message to gain access

Kristen's goal is to help you to become an enlightened media expert. When
you do, you're choosing to be perceived as a
 visible leader who can help guide others to a higher expression of their own potential using
your 
awakened consciousness to express principals of love and compassion that will help end their suffering.


Read what several happy media expert
clients have to say:



"Kristen is intuitive and responsive, while keeping
the time spent together on track so that at the end of five hours I had clarity of direction and great content for use in my marketing blueprint. If you are looking for a fast track for a plan of action, I highly recommend
Kristin White."   ~Susan Gilbert


"I have one word to describe Kristen's advice:
INVALUABLE.
The laser-focused approach to Kristen's
coaching is amazing. She will come up with whatever is needed for each person she coaches, on-the-fly, and leave us all astonished.
I not only think she's brilliant, but she's a wonderful and generous human being always ready to help out and, most importantly, she delivers results. I
recently signed up for her coaching program and saw definite results from the get-go.
If you get the chance to work with Kristen, don't pass it up!" ~Jana Martinez, Quantum
Healing Sounds


"A VIP day with Kristin White is not only transformative, it is educational, powerful and soul-enhancing. She will draw out the heart and potential of you and your business and frame both strategically, spotting potential issues, quickly resolving them and creating a clear pathway forward to create the business you envision. She is a rare combination of systems and vision, and knows how to build a plan that will take you and your business beyond what you thought possible. This is high-level, big strategy coaching that takes into account all facets of your business, leveraging them for
success
. Big dreams? Here, you'll get the methods, insight and plan needed to make them a reality. I
learned more in a VIP day with Kristen than I had in 6 months of running my
business. If you are really ready to skyrocket in your life and career, these VIP days are not options: they are an absolute necessity."
~Jodi Fedor, CEO, Higher Brain Living Inc.

This Book is for You if You Want to... 

  • Become a Recognized Thought Leader in your area of expertise Worldwide 

  • Create your own TV or Radio Show and broadcast it to the world 

  • Make a lasting impact on the planet with your ideas 

  • Release mental and emotional blocks to living your life purpose 

  • Overcome Fear of being the recognized expert in your field 

  • Unlock your charisma and become a Magnetic Voice
    attracting millions
  • Create a clear Authentic Message which inspires others


So,
Let’s Start a Ripple! now and begin to create the level of visibility success
you've only dreamed about till now! And when you buy the book today, you'll
download dozens of great bonus gifts! 
http://bit.ly/14RMPEe


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kristen White, MMC, ICF is a member Professional Business and Life Coach, Media Coach, Author Mentor, WEB TV Video Producer, Spirituality/ Transformational Author, Thought-Leader, Speaker and Trainer, Radio Host and Intuitive Business Designer. Kristen enjoys helping entrepreneurs succeed in business and in life.
Kristen White has more than a decade of experience as an award-winning television journalist and anchor. She’s interviewed politicians, Hollywood celebrities, professional athletes and rock stars including Bill Clinton, Donald Trump, Kevin Costner, Johnny Depp, Marianne Williamson and Arielle Ford. As the host of her own online radio show, Reporting Live from the Universe on Vivid Life Radio, Kristen has featured and interviewed more than 140 best-selling authors and personal growth experts.

SUBMITTED BY
Denise Cassino
Now Financing Options Available!
http://www.bestsellerservices.com/
"Make your book an Amazon #1 Bestseller"
Publicist & Book Marketing Specialist
"ALL my experiences with you have superseded my expectations and you gave me more value than the cost of your program. For your professionalism, skill and plain fun personality, I thank you!" - Michelle Podlesni, author of #1 Bestseller Unconventional Nurse
303 838 3399
skype:  denise.cassino
www.BestsellerServices.com
www.mybestsellerlaunch.com
http://www.facebook.com/denise.cassinohttp://www.twitter.com/denisecassino
 

-----

The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Monday, August 19, 2013

Mystery Reviewed by Cozy Readers Corner

Special Interest  
Aaron T Knight  
Comedic mystery 
Published by Aaron T knight 
ISBN-13: 978-1439211083
Available at Amazon/Kindle
 
Reviewed by Megan originally for A Cozy Readers Corner 
  

Joe has just relocated after having a broken engagement and being forced out of his accounting job. Everything appears to be getting along nicely with his new life until his flowerbed reveals a mysterious clue to a murder. Soon Joe is involved in a risky operation involving a new energy source that could change how the world operates. Joe soon finds out that there are limited people that he can trust and many special interest groups are after the clues to this energy source and will stop at nothing to obtain the information, not even murder. Joe doesn't want to be involved in this scheme but soon a love interest and his best friend are entangled as well and he finds that he has no choice but to help solve the puzzle.

 Overall I thought the author had a creative idea and I was captivated and wanted to know how the story would end. The characters' motives were hidden well until the end of the book when the author did finally start to place doubt in your mind about who was the good guy and who was the bad guy. The science behind the energy source was unique too - would be nice if such a thing existed!


-----
The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Saturday, August 17, 2013

Goodreads Reviewer Gives Erotica Five Stars

Title:  Water Ecstasy
Author:  Alexa Busnell
Genre:  fiction, erotica,  paranormal
AISN: B00E57E7XA
 Published by Amazon Kindle KDP
 
 
Reviewed by Meghan R for Goodreads and Amazon 


A fantasy story with a refreshing erotic bent, Alexa Busnell’s ‘Water Ecstasy’ is something I haven’t seen in years: a well-written tale you will actually love sinking your mind-teeth into.

‘Water Ecstasy’ is about a girl, Coral, who has the ability to create—“conjure” is the preferred word—water. Apparently, it is a rare, important power, yet Coral cannot accomplish it without having the necessary elements. And so she embarks on an arduous, highly risk journey toward a far-away continent, along with her most loyal friends. Obviously, it’s not at all a walk in the park, as the journey has to wend its way through dangerous landscapes and unfriendly territories, and Coral and her party have to use wit, cunning and skill to survive and reach their destination. And believe me, the journey is a white-knuckled, edge-of-your-seat adventure—sexually charged in the right places, of course.

A novel of the fantasy genre, ‘Water Ecstasy’ is so skillfully written—Busnell is such a seasoned writer that she has deftly sinewed this tale with enough verisimilitude to make every moment—every character—as believable as today’s headlines. You take ownership of Coral’s desire to do what she has always wanted to do—and you’re there, beside the girls and their new-found allies, as they persevere to get what they want. The emotional resonance of their ultimate goal is such that you keep turning the pages, starving to know what happens next. And for me, that’s what a good fantasy story is all about—to make you suspend your disbelief so much you forget you’re reading fiction.

Fans of the erotic fantasy genre—especially those who love a strong-willed heroine—will love every page of Busnell’s ‘Water Ecstasy’. A perfect read on a rainy weekend. Five stars, no less.

-----
The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Truman State Prof Reviews New Historical Fiction

Title of novel: Antigone and Creon: Guardians of Thebes
Authors of novel: Victoria Grossack & Alice Underwood
Website: www.tapestryofbronze.com
Genre: Historical Fiction
ISBN-13: 978-1482794410
Number of pages: 432 pages
Publisher: Create Space

Reviewed by Bob Mielke, Professor of English at Truman State University

 

Antigone and Creon: Guardians of Thebes by Victoria Grossack and Alice Underwood is their fifth, latest and best installment of the Tapestry of Bronze series.

Antigone is certainly the most iconic and evergreen character in Greek legend, a timeless embodiment of civil disobedience for the right reasons. She gives our authors a lot to work with. Appropriately, they do her full justice. Not only is she fleshed out psychologically far beyond what Sophocles could accomplish in his drama; her life is given surprising (but defensible) plot twists. So -- as was not the case with their earlier Jocasta -- the complacent reader will have the narrative rug pulled out from under them on occasion.

            This book works on every level: as a thriller and a mystery, as a deep evocation of ancient Greece right down to the minutiae of its folkways, as thoughtful entertainment. Grossack and Underwood join the likes of Mary Renault, Robert Graves and Norman Mailer as unsurpassed revivifiers of antiquity. Hollywood should option this!

Meanwhile, prepare to be enthralled by the print version....

 

 
-----
The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.